King urges cancer sufferers to live with ‘rebellious hope' like Deborah James

Telegraph

30-04-2025

The King has cited the late Dame Deborah James as an inspiration for those affected by cancer, sharing her final message to 'always have rebellious hope'.
The King shared the final message of Dame Deborah, a bowel cancer campaigner who died aged 40 in 2022, at a Buckingham Palace reception on Wednesday night.
Saying he could 'only echo the departing words' of Dame Deborah, he said: 'Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope.'
The King issued the written message during a palace reception for those working in community-based cancer support, telling them that the illness 'brings into focus the very best of humanity'.
In his most personal reflection on his own cancer, which was diagnosed in February last year, he said such news could be 'daunting and at times a frightening experience' for individuals and their loved ones.
'But as one among those statistics myself,' he said, 'I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.'
It is the first message in which the King has referred extensively to his own cancer, although he did not confirm further details about his specific diagnosis.
'Inspiration to us all'
The King added: 'And to those who may be receiving such upsetting news today, tomorrow or at any point in the future, I can only echo the departing words of the late Dame Deborah James, whose parents I am delighted to have with us here this evening, and whose example stands as an inspiration to us all, in sickness and in health.'
The words were originally posted on social media alongside the announcement of Dame Deborah's death.
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A post shared by Deborah James (@bowelbabe)
The campaigner, known online as 'Bowel Babe', had her damehood conferred by Prince William at her home in May 2022, the month before she died.
The King and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer in 2024. The Princess is now in remission, and continuing a gradual return to work with her first official overnight stay on the Isle of Mull this week.
The King, whose treatment continues, has recently travelled to Rome and is keeping up a full schedule of public engagements.
At the end of March, he was briefly admitted to hospital owing to the side-effects of his cancer treatment.
His medical care is reportedly heading in a 'very positive direction', with plans for state visits and further overseas travel later this year.
The King will next week lead the nation's VE Day anniversary commemorations, hosting Second World War veterans at the palace, attending a Westminster Abbey service, and a celebratory concert.
Among his ordinary engagements, some of which are pre-announced and others are kept under wraps for security reasons, he will host a reception at Windsor Castle for members of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association on May 1.
As the Royal family approaches the busy summer season, he is expected to attend events including Trooping the Colour, Ascot and the Chelsea Flower Show.
A senior palace source said recently that the King 'knows he is fortunate to be in a position to make a difference, and is determined to do just that'.
'As we are seeing, since this reign began two and a half years ago, he's achieving that in very many different ways,' they added.
In a written message, printed in a booklet for guests at the Buckingham Palace reception on Wednesday night, the King thanked 'all those who so selflessly give care, comfort and reassurance to the 390,000 people who, sadly, receive a new cancer diagnosis across the UK each year.
'Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones.'
He added that his own experience had 'certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening'.
'And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits – that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion,' the King said.
The King and Queen, through patronages of cancer charities, have 'seen first-hand how you not only fund vital research and deliver exceptional healthcare but also create spaces where patients and their families find sanctuary, understanding and practical assistance when they need it most'.
'What strikes us repeatedly is the profound impact of human connection – whether in the careful explanation from a specialist nurse, the hand held by a hospice volunteer, or the shared experience in a support group,' he said.
'These moments of kinship create what I might call a 'community of care', one that sustains patients through the most difficult of times.'
In a message to researchers, healthcare professionals, volunteers and campaigners, the King said: 'You have my whole family's deepest admiration and gratitude.
'Your commitment to early diagnosis, evermore successful therapies and truly holistic care represents the very best our country can offer.'
He added: 'While every patient's journey may be different, together you are ensuring that a cancer diagnosis need never mean facing the future without hope and support.'
The King has regularly spoken of his own cancer experience when meeting members of the public, and has included raising awareness in his public engagements.
In a visit to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in April 2024, after he returned from a period of working at home to prevent infection, he told patients: ' It's always a bit of a shock, isn't it, when they tell you.'
Earlier this year, in Northern Ireland, he shared his personal motto, adopted from Sir Winston Churchill, to 'Keep buggering on.'
In his Christmas message, he said: 'From a personal point of view, I offer special, heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who, this year, have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness, and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed.'
Guests at Wednesday's reception included campaigners Adele Roberts, former footballer Ashley Cain, actor Richard E Grant, and Heather and Alistair James, the parents of the late Dame Deborah.
They were joined by representatives of the King and Queen's cancer charity patronages, Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Now, Maggie's and Children's Hospice South West, with showcases from Move Dance Feel, which unites women affected by cancer through dance, Rainbow Boxes, which offers practical items as people start cancer treatment, and Wigs for Heroes, which supports people undergoing cancer treatment.
The King and Queen will also watch a short performance by the ITV Change + Check Choir, made up of 26 women who all spotted their breast cancer symptoms after seeing the awareness campaign on ITV programme Lorraine.
The Duchess of Gloucester, who is patron of Prostate Cancer UK, was also in attendance.